1. Memorandum submitted by
Detective Chief Inspector David Loftus
I have previously written to the Police-Reform
website on this subject, and received a reply from them. Having
seen an article in Police Review Magazine (9 July) on the work
you are undertaking, I thought it relevant to pass my thoughts/idea
on to yourselves.
It relates to Police Pensions, and in particular
to the stage of eligibility. I will keep it brief, but hopefully
give you food for thought, and further consideration.
At present, as you are aware, a Federated Member
of a Police Force, or a Superintendent, can only access their
pension if they complete 30 years' Service, attain compulsory
Retirement age, or are deemed unfit through health.
I am a middle manager in a Provincial Police
Force, which, like all Forces in the UK suffers from an excessive
number of Officers with between 25 and 30 years' Service, going
on long term sick leave. Some of these Officers are genuinely
ill, but a sizeable proportion, in my view, are "burnt-out",
or tired of working as a Police Officer. Some do not present value
for money, and whilst UPP is an option, in reality how often is
that used?
My suggestion is simple. Once an Officer reaches
25 years' Pensionable Service, let him/her retire on a pro-rata
pension (ie half pay 25 years, plus two sixtieths per year up
to the maximum two thirds pension.) At present the only way Officers
can do that, unless through age, is by an ill health pension.
This change has, in my view, a number of benefits
to individuals, Police Forces and Government, as follows:
1. If this change was juxtaposed with
other proposed Police Pension Reforms, new entrants would be tied
to a maximum of 35 years service, potentially giving more Pension
Contributions.
2. Those opting for earlier retirement
would be costing up to 16% less in pension payments, (difference
between half pay and two thirds pay).
3. Chief Officers have the option of
buying in more Community Safety Officers, to replace retiring
Officers at lower cost.
4. Those officers who are tired of
Policing having reached 25 years' service, are able to retire
with dignity. At the same time, they would be getting replaced
with younger/probably keener Officers, arguably more in tune with
the Community we Police (in some circumstances!).
The downside to the above is a loss of experience,
and I recognise that.
I would be interested to know though, how many
Police on long term sick leave are in the 25 to 30 years bracket?
Hoping this provokes some thought within your
deliberations.
15 July 2004
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